New Churches Podcast | Season 6 | Episode 6

How Do I Preach?

J.A. Medders, Tony Merida & Matt Smethurst

Watch this video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/84ky5PiMQRc

In this episode of the New Churches podcast, host Jeff Medders is joined by Tony Merida and Matt Smethurst to answer a question many church planters wrestle with: How do I preach engaging sermons? As part of a season focused on the most common “how” questions in church planting, the conversation explores what it really means for preaching to be engaging—not entertaining or gimmicky, but clear, compelling, and faithful to Scripture. Jeff, Tony, and Matt discuss their sermon preparation rhythms, common mistakes planters can make in their study, and why deep work in the text is essential for preaching that connects with people. Drawing on pastoral experience and insights from historic voices like Spurgeon, they also offer practical encouragement for holding a congregation’s attention while remaining sound, biblical, and Christ-centered in every sermon. Listeners will walk away with helpful perspective on sermon preparation, clarity about the goal of engaging preaching, and practical wisdom for faithfully proclaiming God’s Word week after week.

(00:24:01) What do we mean by “engaging”? What do we not mean?

(05:53:10) What are some elements of engaging preaching?

(09:50:19) How do you study for sermons?

(21:04:17) What is your approach for illustrations?

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Published on March 10, 2026

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About the Podcast

New Churches Podcast

The New Churches podcast delivers biblical and practical insights to help you be a faithful and effective church planter. Learn from trusted pastors, theologians, missiologists, and faithful leaders who can help you pursue the mission God has given you. 

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Meet the Authors

J.A. Medders

General Editor New Churches

J. A. Medders (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the director of theology and content for Send Network, and the general editor for New Churches. He is the author of Gospel Formed, Humble Calvinism, and co-author of The Soul-Winning Church. You can follow Jeff on X, Instagram, and his newsletter.

More Resources from J.A.

Tony Merida

Vice President, Planter Development Send Network

Tony Merida is the founding pastor of Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, N.C, and is the vice president of Planter Development for Send Network. Tony has written several books, including The Christ-Centered Expositor, Love Your Church, and multiple volumes in the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series.

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Matt Smethurst

Matt Smethurst is lead pastor of River City Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. He is the author of Tim Keller on the Christian Life: The Transforming Power of the Gospel (2025), Before You Share Your Faith: Five Ways to Be Evangelism Ready (2022), Deacons: How They Serve and Strengthen the Church (2021), Before You Open Your Bible: Nine Heart Postures for Approaching God’s Word (2019), and 1–2 Thessalonians: A 12-Week Study (2017). He also cohosts, with Ligon Duncan, The Everyday Pastor podcast from The Gospel Coalition.

More Resources from Matt
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